Wine + Crisps: The Ultimate Cosy Combo
Autumn hits and suddenly we’re all in the mood for comfort. Even the most committed social butterflies crave a slower pace: darker nights, softer clothes, a glass of something decent and a snack that doesn’t require effort or explanation.
We’re talking crisps. Proper, grab-a-bag-and-don’t-share crisps. And while no one’s knocking a cheeseboard, there’s something deeply satisfying about pairing your wine with the crunchy, salty, totally moreish snack of your choosing.
Turns out, it’s not just a guilty pleasure—it’s good palate chemistry. Salt and acidity flatter each other. Big flavours need bold wines. And yes, Wotsits do have a perfect pour. So go on, pour a glass, pick your packet and settle in. This is low-effort indulgence at its autumn best.
Champagne + Sea Salt
A classic with a classic. The bubbles cut through the oil, the salt sharpens the sip. Unfussy, polished, surprisingly perfect.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, £28.50 at Sainsbury’s with Sainsbury’s Gourmet Seasalt Crisps, £1.50
Dry Riesling + Pickled Onion
Sharp-on-sharp done right. The sweet acidity in a Riesling lifts the vinegar hit without turning it bitter.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Peter & Ulrich Griebeler Dry Riesling, £13.50 at Majestic with Taylor’s Pickled Onion Crisps, £0.90.
Pinot Grigio + Scampi Fries
Technically a pub snack, but the lemony, savoury tang works beautifully with a crisp white. Serve cold. No judgement.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Villa Vito Pinot Grigio 2023/24, Italy, £6.50, with Smiths Scampi Fries, £0.99.
Grenache + BBQ Pulled Pork
Ripe, juicy and a little bit wild. Grenache brings bright fruit and just enough spice to match the smoky-sweet seasoning. Like bonfire night in a glass.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: The OG Garnacha, Spain, £9.50, and M&S Sticky Pork Crisps.
Malbec + Cheddar & Onion
Deep ridges, big flavour. A full-bodied, muscular pairing with serious staying power.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Beefsteak Club Malbec 2023/24, Mendoza, £8.75, with Savoursmiths Cheddar and Shallot
Sauvignon Blanc + Thai Sweet Chilli
That zingy freshness handles heat like a pro. A fruity, floral white that balances the sweet-spice kick.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Devil's Creek Sauvignon Blanc, £9, with Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Sweet Chilli Crisps
Picpoul de Pinet + Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar
Bright, citrusy and saline, Picpoul brings serious refreshment. It lifts the tang without overpowering it—like a citrus wave over vinegar.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet, £11, with Pipers Burrow Hill Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt
Pinot Noir + Quavers
Light and melt-in-the-mouth meets a soft red that won’t trample the flavour. More elegant than it sounds.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Bread & Butter 'Winemaker's Selection' Pinot Noir, £16, with Walkers Quavers (our guilty pleasure.
Cava + Cheesy Puffs
You heard us. The creamy puffiness with a cold, dry Cava is a textural dream. High-low magic at its fizziest.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Segura Viudas Brut Vintage Premium Cava, £12, with KP Cheese Footballs, £2.85
Orange Wine + Prawn Cocktail
The tangy-sweet throwback crisp meets the savoury, apricot-skin bite of an orange wine. Unexpected, a little retro, and totally of-the-moment.
Hood’s Favourite Pairing: Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold Organic, £17, with Tyrrells Posh Prawn Cocktail Crisps, £2.75